NBA scouts predict rising high school stars AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson's future during 2026 draft

The high school recruiting class of 2025 has interesting prospects such as AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson, who are the top three picks in ESPN's 100. The class of 2025 is highly spoken of among NBA scouts as it also has prospects like Kiyan Anthony and Bryce James within its ranks.

Anonymous NBA scouts spoke to SportsCenter about the potentials of Dybantsa, Boozer and Peterson, comparing them to NBA stars Paul George/LeBron James, Kevin Love/Al Horford and Donovan Mitchell, respectively.

"The No. 1 spot is his to lose," one scout said about AJ Dybantsa.

"If you have the No. 1 pick, you cannot leave him on the board. He has the highest upside," another scout said about Dybantsa.

"Could go No. 1, but most likely top five. He is that good. Depending upon who is drafting and what they value," one scout said about Cameron Boozer.

"I have him in my top ten," another scout said about Boozer.

"I have him top three on my board," the anonymous scout said about Darryn Peterson.

AJ Dybantsa headlines a stacked class of 2025

AJ Dybantsa is remarkable because he reclassified to the class of 2025 from the class of 2026 and the Utah Prep prospect has still managed to become the top-ranked prospect.

He will have stiff competition for the best player in his class, with highly rated prospects like Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson, who are not far behind him in terms of talent and production.

In an interview with KSR, Dybantsa showed his confidence in his abilities.

“I mean, I’d be productive,” Dybantsa said about joining the NBA currently. “I wouldn’t be a star player, but I wouldn’t just be a 13th man off the bench. I think I’d be in the rotation and be productive. (I want to be) a Hall of Famer. (To do that, I’ve got to) just keep doing what I’m doing but at a better rate every time. Every year I’ve got to improve from the last."

Before he can attempt to become a Hall of Famer in the NBA, AJ Dybantsa will have to narrow down the programs he could join from 30 and navigate a rocky road fraught with upsets to the 2026 NBA draft.